When it starts getting cold, the wonderful thing to look forward to in that season is oven-roasted meals. Nothing better than to keep us warm as well as give us the satisfaction of a delicious home-cooked dinner. I particularly enjoyed making roast chicken wings with fennel one autumn evening.

Fennel grows well in South Africa’s climate and I bought it when it was in season.

I love buying seasonal produce for the simple reasons of 1) better taste, quality 2) lower in cost as abundant 3) sustainable and environmentally-friendly. This was the only vegetable I had left, and the decision to combine it with chicken wings was thus made!

The recipes I bring you are from my nomadic journey, from various kitchens, often with limited resources and the unavailability to have a full pantry (frequent moving). Disclaimer: I am a hungry nomad, not a chef.

Roast chicken wings and fennel with shiraz salt

Ingredients:

• 1 x fennel bulb, halved
• 8 free range chicken wings (add more if cooking for more people) – I bought mine from Woolworths in Cape Town
• Kloovenberg shiraz salt
• Olive oil
• Pepper to taste

Equipment needed:

• A chopping board
• A knife
• Oven
• Roasting pan

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 190 degrees Celsius. (Leave the roasting pan outside)
2. Cut your fennel into smaller pieces
3. Place fennel chunks and chicken wings in roasting pan
4. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with the shiraz salt and mix a little
5. Pop in the oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken skin is crispy and golden brown
6. Serve with bread or eat just as is for a low-carb meal

Tips: If you find the fennel a little crunchy or dry feel free to cook it a bit longer in the oven as it will soften. Or add a vinaigrette when you serve.

The great benefit about a roast is while the meal is being cooked, we have time to clean up the kitchen, enjoy a relaxing bath or lie down for half an hour. Just don’t forget to set the timer when the food is ready!

I hope you enjoy this quick and easy, no-fuss recipe. Simple and uses seasonal produce, without the need for a lot of ingredients or kitchen equipment. Perfect when you’re travelling or just moved in to a new house.